School student tastes glory

The 16-year-old recorded his first winner at his seventh race drive when Stevie Jolt (Village Jolt) scored the narrowest of wins.

Davis positioned the seven-year-old gelding three-back the marker pegs and was cluttered in traffic around the final bend, only getting clear at the 150m to sprint past his rivals in a bunched-up finish that saw 6.8m between the first 10 horses.

“It was a huge relief to get that first win and have it out of the way,” Davis said.

“I wasn’t really worried about where I was in the run, as he is a horse that has a quick sprint over the last 200m,” recalled the driver.

Davis was destined to follow in his father’s footsteps, Steven, who also trains Stevie Jolt.

“I have grown up around the horses, so it was a really big thing to get my ticket and go out and race drive.”

Brodie’s mother, Marni and sister Tamsyn, who won a mini-trot race earlier in the night, were also trackside to see the win.

Like many recent drivers that have joined the states driving ranks in recent times, Brodie is another to come through Tasracing’s Mini-Trot Program.

“It teaches you the little things about driving and gear,” said the winning driver.

The Year 10 St Brendan Shaw College student has aspirations to learn more about the harness racing industry after his education.

“I would like to go out and learn more from different people, and I wouldn’t mind travelling interstate or overseas to get around and see how it’s done elsewhere.

Brodie will be hoping to add to his winning tally quickly, with the Youngbloods Challenge fast approaching in the first weekend of December.

For complete race results and replays, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf, for Tasracing